Are Peak Moment and Peak Torque Equivalents in Biodex Dynamometry Measurements?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between Peak Moment and Peak Torque as measured by biodex dynamometry in the context of knee muscle strength assessment. Participants explore whether these terms refer to the same value reported differently or if they represent distinct measurements despite sharing the same unit of measurement (Nm).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that in engineering, a moment is referred to as torque in physics, suggesting that the terminology may lead to confusion.
  • Another participant explains that a moment can involve any physical quantity, while torque specifically involves a force, indicating a potential distinction between the two terms.
  • A further clarification is provided regarding the concept of a couple, which is described as a special case of torque, adding complexity to the definitions being discussed.
  • A question is raised about whether both Peak Moment and Peak Torque have the same magnitude when expressed in Newtons-meter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether Peak Moment and Peak Torque are equivalent, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with competing interpretations of the terms.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of moment and torque, as well as the context in which these measurements are applied, which may affect the understanding of their equivalence.

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TL;DR
Peak Moment vs. Peak Torque in Knee Extension
Apologies if this is in the wrong section as it isn't particularly medical in nature despite it being about the body.

I am currently conducting a rapid review with outcomes of knee muscle strength. This is measured by biodex dynamometry, which assesses numerous values including Peak moment (Nm). My issue is that another study has also used the same equipment but reported values of (Nm) as peak torque which makes sense as the movement in question is rotational (Think bent knee -> straight knee, the peak force produced by this movement). My question is whether these two values are the same but have been reported differently or if it is a completely different value with the same unit of measurement.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.
What an engineer calls a moment, a physicist calls a torque.
The least confusing term would probably be torque.
 
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_(physics) said:
In physics, a moment is an expression involving the product of a distance and physical quantity
So a moment can involve any physical quantity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque said:
In physics and mechanics, torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force.
A torque is a moment that specifically involves a force.

And there is also a couple, which is a special case of a torque:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couple_(mechanics) said:
In mechanics, a couple is a system of forces with a resultant (a.k.a.net or sum) moment but no resultant force.
So in the following figure, the top arrangement is a force producing a torque. But the bottom arrangement is a resultant force F (not producing a torque), and two forces C producing a couple. They both have the same effect on the system.

Force_and_couple.png
 
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Have both values the same magnitude in Newtons-meter?
 

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